Huddersfield New College Sport > Academies > Football Academies
Link to ECFA Website
The Men’s Football academy is currently in its 5th year and plays in the English Colleges Football League on Wednesday afternoons.
The English Colleges Football Association [ECFA] was formed in 2002 following developments which had taken place within the parent body [ British Colleges Sport]. ECFA developed the English Colleges Football League [Sanctioned by the Football Association] to provide a competitive context for young talented footballers recruited into College Football Academies around the country.
Strict criteria are applied before membership to the league is approved to help ensure that the young players are receiving the best possible conditions to further their technical development whilst following a full time vocational / academic programme which will lead to nationally recognized qualifications.
All coaching at college football academies is delivered by UEFA "A" or " B" licence coaches and players receive a minimum of 6 hours of coaching per week. Students work daily on their fitness and technique and gain knowledge of other key issues such as diet and nutrition. They will have the opportunity to complete a 1st4sport Certificate in Coaching Football Level 1 (The FA), Emergency Aid, Child Protection modules and Referee's exam.
Successful involvement in the football development programme can provide opportunities to progress into:
- Careers in professional / semi professional football
- Football coaching
- Careers associated with the treatment of injuries and their management
- Football refereeing
- Work in sport and recreation
- Further and Higher Education
- Overseas coaching and possible scholarships
Men’s Honours
- ECFA Men’s League Runners Up 2004/5 Season
Staff Profiles
‘A’ Licensed F.A.coach UEFA ‘A’ coach Former England U21’s 600 professional league appearances (Man City, Derby County and Luton).
GABRIEL MELLOR - HEAD OF SPORT AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
F.A. level 3 UEFA ‘B’ coach Manchester United Academy Development coach.
Player Profile
Cameron Jerome
Cameron played for Huddersfield New College Academy having signed on as a schoolboy at Huddersfield Town. Whilst at Huddersfield New College he obtained his referees qualification and passed his level 1 Coaching award. Cameron attended a number of trials for professional clubs including Derby County and Middlesborough. Cameron signed a professional contract with Cardiff City and is currently 2nd top goal scorer in the Coca Cola Championship and earlier this year made his debut for the England U21’s National team. Cameron is currently playing at Birmingham City.
